Chelsea firm up Asian links with move for striker April 9, 2015 JAPAN forward Yoshinori Muto insists Chelsea have lodged a bid for him but that he is yet to decide whether to swap the J-League for Stamford Bridge this summer. Muto, 22, can play anywhere along the front three and has scored 17 goals in 43 appearances for FC Tokyo, as well as once in 11 [...]
We don’t need to sell Wilshere, warns Wenger April 9, 2015 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has warned midfielder Jack Wilshere’s suitors that the club’s financial strength means that their days of selling key players to rival clubs are behind them. Manchester City are said to be interested in Wilshere, having already raided the Gunners for Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna [...]
Stewart: Pietersen’s a good fella and is playing better by the day April 9, 2015 Surrey boss plans era of success SURREY director of cricket Alec Stewart insists mercurial batsman Kevin Pietersen is starting to showcase the form to revive the county’s fortunes and which may yet persuade selectors to revive his England career ahead of this summer’s Ashes. Pietersen resumed training with Surrey on Monday, having returned to the [...]
Vaughan gets KP backing for England role April 9, 2015 EXILED batsman Kevin Pietersen has backed his former England captain Michael Vaughan to implement essential changes if hired to be England’s first national director of cricket. Vaughan is the early favourite for a role created by Wednesday’s boardroom shake-up, which called time on Paul Downton’s 15-month tenure as managing director of the England Wales Cricket [...]
AP off mark at National meet April 9, 2015 CHAMPION Jockey AP McCoy claimed the first win of his final Grand National meeting in emphatic style aboard Jezki in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle yesterday. The 3-1 shot ultimately romped home by 13 lengths but only after a three-way fight with Rock On Ruby and Ruby Walsh’s Arctic Fire, who suffered a heavy fall [...]
Rocky Creek can give Nicholls a second Grand National win April 9, 2015 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE CRABBIE’S GRAND NATIONAL THIS is the most eagerly awaited Crabbie’s Grand National in years as it is the last time we will see the greatest ever jumps jockey ride in the world’s greatest steeplechase. Never again will a rider come along like AP McCoy. His guts, determination and sheer addiction to [...]
Grand National Sweepstake April 9, 2015 40 Horses, 4m 31/2 f, 30 fences and AP McCoy’s last ride in the race. Bill Esdaile casts his expert eye over the Grand National runners. Lord Windermere 40/1 Former Gold Cup winner but isn’t in form and has a massive weight Many Clouds 33/1 Had a very hard race in the Gold Cup and [...]
In-form United to put the boot into struggling derby rivals April 9, 2015 BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS THE MANCHESTER DERBY DERBY DAY arrives in the North-West this Sunday as a resurgent Manchester United look to heap even more pressure on their stuttering neighbours Manchester City. A look at recent history – whether in the league or in the derby itself – can tilt thoughts to either the red or [...]
Aintree return can see Balder claim another big prize April 9, 2015 TODAY’S Melling Chase (3.25pm) is highly competitive but practically every horse in the line-up has something to prove. Champagne Fever is the one to beat if he’s over the lip-biting from stablemate Un Atout that forced him to miss the Betway Champion Chase. However, he’s always been inconsistent and I wouldn’t put total faith in [...]
Maximum excitement on the grand national April 9, 2015 THE WORLD’S most famous steeplechase charges into most of our living rooms tomorrow afternoon and Sporting Index have a range of markets to keep you gripped by the action. A total of 40 horses are set to line up, but how many will finish? Traders are predicting 17-18 will complete the marathon 4m3½ furlong course. [...]